Master Amy Howard’s Classic Premiere Finish
, by Ryan Casuga, 2 min reading time
Are you ready to transform an ordinary piece of furniture into a stunning heirloom?
In this blog, Amy Howard, a master of decorative finishes, walks you through her best-selling Classic Premiere Finish—a finish she developed during her 30-year career designing and manufacturing furniture.
Follow along to learn how to create a luxurious old-world look with a rich texture that will take your DIY skills to the next level!
Materials You'll Need:
- One Step Paint
- Cracked Patina
- Gilding Size
- Gold Leaf
- Light Antiquing Wax
- Dark Antiquing Wax
- Dust of Ages
- Sponge Brush
- Artist Brush
- Painter’s Tape
- 320-Grit Sandpaper
- Steel Wool (0000)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Apply the Base Coat
Start with a coat of One Step Paint in your preferred color (Amy uses Black for this demo). Apply it directly onto the raw wood surface or a pre-existing finish. One coat provides excellent coverage!
2. Apply Cracked Patina
Next, apply Cracked Patina using a sponge brush. Make sure to work in the same direction to avoid cross-hatching. Allow it to dry for about 10-15 minutes, and then apply a second coat. Let it dry overnight.
3. Top Coat Application
Once the patina is dry, apply another coat of One Step Paint. The cracked patina will begin to pull and crack, creating a beautiful aged texture. Use a dry brush to drag the top coat for an authentic distressed look.
4. Add Gilding Details
For a touch of elegance, use painter’s tape to create clean lines, then apply Gilding Size and let it dry until it reaches tack. Next, apply Gold Leaf over the gilding size and burnish it for a rich, luxurious finish.
5. Wax & Buff
Once the paint and leaf are dry, apply a layer of Light Antiquing Wax to the entire surface. To deepen the finish, follow with Dark Antiquing Wax in corners and crevices for a more vintage effect.
6. Finish with Dust of Ages
For the final touch, apply Dust of Ages to add dimension and a truly antique look. This product settles into the cracks, creating depth and making your piece look authentically old-world.
Now that you’ve learned the step-by-step process to create Amy’s Classic Premiere Finish, it’s time to try it yourself!
Whether you’re rescuing an old piece or transforming something new, this method will bring a luxurious touch to any room in your home.
Enjoy your DIY adventure, and be sure to share your before-and-after transformations with us!
